Virginia Pulliam Boswell

Virginia Pulliam Boswell lived a life of boundless energy, devotion, and generosity, always moving at “warp speed” in everything she did. Cooking was her love language, and she showed her care through legendary caramel cakes and other homemade delicacies, even mailing care packages to her family well into her 90s.

Fiercely independent yet endlessly loving, she poured her heart into family, faith, and friendship, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and selflessness.

Born on April 10, 1929, in Rossville, TN, to James Perry Pulliam and Opal Louise Fite Pulliam, Virginia grew up with a spirited nature. She attended Collierville High School, where she was a cheerleader alongside her dear friend Betty Shelton. She later graduated from Mississippi State College for Women.

Virginia met the love of her life, Frank Holmes Boswell, at Joyner’s Campground, and they married on September 16, 1951. Their early years together took them to Biloxi, MS, while Frank served in the Air Force. Their bond was deep and unwavering, and in a touching reflection of their love, she left this world on March 25 – Frank’s birthday.

Virginia taught for many years in the Fayette County Schools and at Fayette Academy. She also worked as a bookkeeper for Somerville Farm Supply, a business she helped build with her husband. She and Frank loved traveling the U.S. and abroad and enjoyed playing couples bridge with their friends.

True to her independent spirit, Virginia loved walking all over town, always carrying her cane—not for support, but to fend off stray dogs.

A steadfast member of First Presbyterian Church, Somerville, TN, she served as clerk of session, moderator for the Presbyterian Women, Sunday school teacher, church treasurer, and a member of the choir.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Priscilla Langdon, Jane Lewis, Barbara Jo McFarland, and Mary Louise Murphey. She is survived by her son, David (Deronda) and daughter, Elizabeth Boswell Walker (Mark), as well as her brother, Perry Pulliam (Laverne). She adored her grandchildren, Sarah Walker Becker (Robert), Caroline Walker Wigger (Cole), and Caleb Boswell, and was devoted to her great-grandchildren, Walker and Campbell Becker, and Frank and Henry Wigger.

Pallbearers were Robert Becker, Mark Doyle, Tom Matthews, Wesley Parks, Jr., Steve Shelton, and Cole Wigger. Honorary pallbearers were Irma Fowler, Tamma Havercamp, Betty Shelton, Mary Elizabeth Rhea, Suzanne Rhea, and Martha Walker.

Memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church, Somerville.